3/7/2014 - MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 41st annual Air Force Assistance Fund campaign kicked off Monday and will run until April 11.

The AFAF is an official Air Force, tax-exempt organization whose mission is to raise money for charities that directly support members of the Air Force family who are in need.

"AFAF is a great opportunity for Air Force members to give contributions that provide assistance directly back to the Air Force community," said Master Sgt. Angela Garren, assistant project officer for the campaign.

The AFAF is comprised of four Air Force charities: the Air Force Village Foundation, the Air Force Aid Society, the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation and The Air Force Enlisted Village.

The AFAF divides the donations among the four charities.

Donations aid Air Force families in different ways. The village charities provide retirement housing for widowers, as does the LeMay Foundation. The Air Force Aid Society provides loans and grants that fall into three categories: education/tuition, community enhancement and emergency aid.

Those eligible to receive assistance from the AFAF include active duty military, military retirees, reservists, Guardsmen and their families, including surviving spouses in need.

"You never know when you and your loved ones may fall upon hard times. We in the Air Force are lucky in that we also have an Air Force family," said 1st Lt. Ryan Weiand, project officer for the campaign. "That's what the AFAF is all about Airmen taking care of their Airmen family when times are tough. Even small donations add up, so we encourage donors to contribute whatever they feel comfortable donating. No amount is too small."

Last year, the AFAF campaign raised $121,906 for the four charities. This year's goal is $82,809.